In an AAFP media statement, AAFP President Reid Blackwelder, M.D., of Kingsport, Tenn., said the Academy looked forward to working with Burwell in her role as head of HHS.

"Burwell has been an effective administrator and organization leader in both federal and not-for-profit arenas," said Blackwelder. "Just as we have enjoyed working with Kathleen Sebelius during her tenure as HHS secretary, we anticipate continued interest in building a health care delivery system that is based on primary care," he added.

Notable on Burwell's resume is her 10-year tenure as president of the Global Development Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2012, she was selected to serve as president of the Walmart Foundation.